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NEWS Emigration
> SOMETIMES THE BEST DEFENCE IS GOOD OFFENCE
at a 20 year high
Recent figures from the CSO figures show the highest rates of emigration for 20 years > P 6
NEWS Exams to
move before Christmas for DIT students An announcement that a possible change in the academic calender means that exams would take place before Christmas > P 8
FEATURES
Volunteering opportunities in DIT We look at different ways that students can volunteer and get personal experiences > P 13
ENTS
INTERVIEW: DENT is back with a bang and we start with a controversial interview with the Rubberbandits > P 27
ENTS X Factor Roundup
Our self confessed celebrity junkie Eleanore asks students who they think will win > P 24
Sports
Turn to back page for all your sport news
Flood defence sand bags were put in place around Clontarf and all coastal areas in preparation against storm warnings. This image is reminiscent the month of student demonstrations with the strong yellow sand bags representing the yellow t-shirts worn by protesters and the potential storm symbolises the rise in student fees. Photo by DIT student Alice Diskin
Library online resources to go due to cuts in budget By Eva Hall
D
IT students will be forced use their ALCID cards and external library services if planned cuts at DIT libraries go ahead. All non-academic departments at DIT could face a 10 per cent budget cut in 2011, with the library opting to cut back on vital online resources. Students will suffer a loss of online journals
and e-books, and may have to travel to other colleges to avail of these services as a result. These information resources make up the bulk of the library’s budget, which currently sits at over €2m. Head of Library Services at DIT, Philip Cohen, outlined the reasons why these online resources may be cut in a submission to the Executive
Resource Committee last September. The report stated it was unlikely further cuts could be made in operational costs, which include hardware maintenance, materials such as stationery, book distribution between site libraries and staff training. Mr. Cohen pointed out that the budget for book funds, still a major library resource, has decreased by nearly
€40,000 in the last two years. Information resources such as books, online databases and subscriptions amount to 92.5 per cent of the total budget, while operational costs make up 7.5 per cent. While no final decision has been made, Mr. Cohen has highlighted the databases which are likely to be cut next year.
Continued on page 8
2 NEWS
DIT News November 2010
News in brief DIT widens the playing field This month DIT launched their Widening Participation Strategy, aimed at giving everyone a chance to have an education and overcome any obstacles preventing them from reaching their full potential. Speaking at the event Professor Brian Norton said “Education is a right and we must prepare to educate every individual to their highest achievable level.” This has been a successful year for
widening participation with mature students making up 15 per cent of first years, which is a 5 per cent jump from the previous year. However, the strategy is not only aimed at mature students. The hope is to increase educational access for under-represented communities and to ensure equality of opportunity for students with a disability, students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and all ethnic groups.
College goes gaga
Meet the team Editor
Aisling O’Sullivan
newssoced@gmail.com
News Editors
Lynne Swan & Kyle Cahill ditnews.news@gmail.com
Features Editor
Cassie Delaney
ditnews.features@gmail.com
Fashion Editor
Stephanie Costello ditnews.fashion@gmail.com
Entertainment Editor
Kevin Donnellan ditnews.ents@gmail.com
Sports Editor
Colin Higgins ditnews.sports@gmail.com
Correction: In the last DIT News Rachel Guy was incorrectly named as the reporter on page 26. Marty O’Leary and Richard Bruton were the reporters. It is policy of DIT News to correct any inaccuracies. Any corrections or clarifications will be printed in the following issue. It is also policy of DIT News to offer the right of reply to any person who feels aggrieved by any articles or comments. Please forward any comments to the editor.
By Lynne Swan
S
tudents and “little monsters’’ alike are in for a treat as it was announced that a US college will be offering a course which will examine Lady Gaga’s rise to fame. As of next semester students will be able to sign up for “Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame’’ at the University of South Carolina. Teaching the course will be Sociologist Professor Methieu Deflem who is an avid Gaga fan having seen her in concert a staggering thirty times! However, die-hard fans should be aware that course guidelines state that this is “not a course in musicology or in cultural
studies... this course instead focuses specifically on relevant elements of the societal context” of Lady Gaga’s rise to fame. Professor Deflem said, “We’re going to look at Lady Gaga as a social event... so it’s not the person, and it’s not the music. It’s more this thing out there in society that has 10 million followers on Facebook and six million on Twitter. I mean, that’s a social phenomenon.” And don’t worry, if Gaga’s not your cup of tea there’s always ‘The Science of Harry Potter’, ‘The Simpsons and Philosophy’ and ‘Philosophy and Star Trek’ to choose from.
DIT News November 2010
News in brief
NEWS 3
>Model Students
DIT exam timetable helps in court case By Eva Hall A DIT Aungier Street student who had his wallet stolen as he celebrated his end of term exams told a court how a DIT exam timetable helped him identify his wallet. While business and management student Stephen Ruddy was in Rico’s chipper in Portobello on 27 May last year a stranger approached his table and he felt intimidated by him. Mr. Ruddy said that his phone and wallet were on the table in the chipper while the man continued to talk to him. Later when Mr. Ruddy realised he no longer had his wallet he returned to Rico’s chipper and reported his wallet stolen to a member of the Gardai Siochana at Harcourt Terrace Garda Station the same night.
Ray Birrell, a 37 year old father-ofone who is currently serving time in Mountjoy Prison on drug-related charges appeared in court but denied the robbery. He then accused a member of the Gardai of planting incriminating evidence on him, stating he had a “personal vendetta” against him. He told the court: “you twist and turn everything I say”. Referring to the DIT student exam timetable found in the wallet with Stephen Ruddy’s name on it Mr. Birrell stated in court that Garda Hayes “absolutely put it in it”. Judge Patrick McMahon said Mr. Birrell’s “terrible record” of 162 convictions could only result in a 12-month sentence due to commence at the end of his present one.
84% of students progress to second year By Aisling O’Sullivan A recent report by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) showed that 84 per cent of DIT students progressed from first to second year in 2007/2008. The study, published 28 October 2010, was undertaken in March 2007 and again in 2008. Two snapshots of students enrolled in DIT were taken in these months, showing 16 per cent of first year students did not progress to second year. Of these 13 per cent were in level 8 honours degree courses. The non progression rate includes students who failed exams and those who left voluntarily. According to the report, people studying computer science in third level were most likely to drop out of college or fail exams with 27 per cent of those enrolled in this area not completing their first year. While at the opposite end of the scale it stated that 98 per cent of those studying medicine continued into second year. It also highlighted that more girls progressed than boys.
Speaking to DIT News, Student Retention Officer for DIT, Mark Russell explains that Maths plays a important factor in student progression. “The big thing that came out of this report and at the launch was the subject of Maths… what we’ve been trying to get across and what we’re seeing is that a lot of courses are underpinned by Maths and because Maths is a skill, students just don’t come in prepared for third level”. The variation across the levels and sectors in the proportion of new entrants with 60 points or higher in Maths is striking. In the institute of technology sector 15 per cent of new entrants at level 8 attained 60 or more points in Maths compared to 43 per cent of new entrants to the university sector. However, the report goes on to show a big jump in the progression rate from second to third year with 93 per cent of students continuing on.
Charitable innovation by Irish student Nineteen year old student Eoin Dunlevy has launched a new form of consumer charity where people can donate to various charities by just buying a bottle of water. The engineering student, along with friends, has developed a bottled water brand called Aquaid where 10 cent of each
bottle goes to a charity of the consumer’s choice. They choose which charity they wish to donate to by selecting one of the four different coloured bottles: Pink for breast cancer, blue for children, green for enviromental and orange for muscular disorder charities. For more information visit www.aquaid.ie
DIT students try out for the DIT Fashion show 4 November 2010. Castings were a resounding success with a fantastic panel including Shireen McDonnagh Carl Shaaban and Maria Fusco. For those who couldn’t make it there will be more castings taking place at 5pm 22 November in DIT Aungier Street. Photo: Conor Mulhern
4 NEWS
DIT News November 2010
HEY YOU! LEAVE Students march against the hike in fees
By Bernard O’Rourke
A
sea of yellow T shirts and banners blinded passerby’s at the Aungier Street campus on Wednesday 3 November with more than a thousand students ready to make their way to the student protest march. Passing by a pub in Temple Bar, one old man standing outside smoking a cigarette asked “are yiz gonna burn down the Dáil today, or wha’?” There was confusion as thousands of students gathered on Parnell Square including the large DIT contingent. DITSU president Ciáran Nevin made his presence well known, shouting into a megaphone to keep things moving. Students from all over the country were carrying placards saying things like “pay my fees or pay my dole”, “I can’t pay my taxes when I emigrate to Britain” and “down with that sort of thing (careful now)”. From a side alleyway two drunken students emerged, shouting slogans and waving cans of Red Bull in the air. One of them - Jaime, attending St. Pat’s – said that “the government is going to destroy the futures of young teachers and doctors. They are needed more than ever and yet they can’t afford their qualification.” Students on the day explained their various reasons for marching. Emily Longworth – a first year law student in UCD – outlined
Opinion
By Glenn Fitzpatrick
A sea of yellow greeted passerbys as students marched towards the Dail in the fight against fees protest, 3 November, headed by a colourful group of DIT students. Photo: Kieran Frost
her reasons, “I watched Vincent Brown talking about it on his show on Monday and for the first time the real issue was presented to me without any of the USI or UCD student union propaganda,” she said. “I understand that this is a real issue we need to get behind.” At the head of the march was a yellow tractor draped in banners from Carlow IT. David O’Hanlon, a mature student marching beside it, explained why he was there. He had returned to education due to lack of jobs, and now his son was
Worldwide, the sit-in is acknowledged as a form of peaceful protesting. Sit-ins contributed to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that ended social segregation in the United States. However, on 3 November 2010, we learnt that Ireland is still in the dark ages when it comes to dealing with these things. While there is no justification for the actions of a select few, the vast majority of people there did nothing to provoke the stern reaction of An Garda Síochána in this instance. Following this, USI President Gary Redmond came out and basically
about to enter third level as well. “We both need education,” he said, “but I can’t afford it.” Crossing the river and passing Trinity College, edging closer to the target, protesters bore witness to even greater passion among marchers. A fiery red-head balanced on the shoulders of his friend while banging a drum made his feelings on the matter perfectly clear, shouting profanities about Brian Cowen. He turned to face the crowd behind him, crying “we’re going to burn down the Dáil.”
acted as a public relations officer for the gardai when he condemned not the violence, but the student occupation of the Department of Finance. “USI is saddened by the actions of a small minority of people who staged a sit-in protest at the Dept of Finance, shortly after the USI protest march today. This antisocial behaviour was completely separate from USI’s demo.” Since this outrageous statement was released, video footage has come to light that proves that USI members were not only present
Rounding Merrion Square, approaching the final destination protestors met a stage set up on a trailer outside the back of the Dáil. Some more DIT students told the DIT News why they were there. Jessica Walsh, in her first year of a BA in Drama, told how much she loved being in DIT, but was worried that increased fees would force her to drop out. Gary Redmond, USI president, took the stage around 2.30pm. “Today we stood side by side,” he roared, “over 40,000 of us!”
at the event but were subject to uncalled for and unjustified violence from the ‘keepers of the peace’. Many online blogs and independent media outlets cried hypocrisy when photos of Mr. Redmond showed him taking part in a UCDSU sit in in 2008. It is hard to say what possessed him to make the above statement without knowing the full story but now that it is as clear as day that members of USI took part in the non-violent sit-in that he is so familiar with, I hope to see him retracting the statement. It has since come to light that he is also
Not only did the crowd extend further than the eye could see, it was stretched out all over the city, blocking streets and making noise, making their voices heard. As Redmond said: “students have been an easy target for far too long, but today we’re telling the government that we’re not going to take this lying down.” As the roar of the throng drowned him out - a message to everyone of how loud angry students can shout.
a supporter of the current Fianna Fail government (pictured 3rd from the right) so I’m not particularly optimistic. These revelations about the USI president beg the question; Does he really represent us? Or is he just a careerist politico?
DIT News November 2010
NEWS 5
US KIDS ALONE
while some protestors stage a sit-in
By Eva Hall
A
minority of students and extremist groups are to blame for the carnage caused at this month’s student protest. More than 40,000 students who descended on the streets of Dublin on November 3 were disappointed when their peaceful demonstration turned violent and bloody after it was hijacked by a number of hard line political parties. The student march, organised by the USI to object to an increase in student fees, turned violent as it reached the gates of the Dáil. The Department of Finance saw the brunt of the protest as members of the Éirígí and Socialist Parties staged a sit-in. Some protesters had to be forcibly removed by Gardai when they refused to leave. Interior and Furniture Design student at DIT Mountjoy Square Ali
Redmond said the initial peaceful atmosphere was cut short when she witnessed students drinking alcohol and throwing eggs at the Gardai: “It began to feel a bit disruptive... I noticed a man throwing an egg at a Garda for no reason.” Ali blames those who consumed alcohol during the march of “making a joke out of it” while students in fear of not being able to afford their place in college next year were serious about having their voices heard. Speaking after the protest DIT engineering student Dale McDermott condemned the violence used: “I don’t condone violence... It was hijacked by the far-left, Sinn Fein and Éirígí.” Floriane Loup, a student at DIT Aungier Street also witnessed members of Sinn Fein as well as the Socialist Party at the march. Floriane described the protest in the early stages as
“really peaceful and respectful”, but admitted it “went a bit too far.” It was claimed in reports after the march that every demonstration at the Dáil this year has been met with an Éirígí flag planted at the gates. Councillor Louise Minihan of Éirígí was spotted at the student march just days after she hit the headlines for drenching Minister for Health Mary Harney with red paint at a sod-turning ceremony. Ms. Minihan was criticised for taking the emphasis away from the real reasons people are protesting and turning demonstrations into public sympathy for the government. USI President Gary Redmond acknowledged her presence at the march also, while distancing the USI from the disruption: “It was nothing to do with us, it was interest groups, one which was in the news already this week.”
Protest against heavy handed Gardai
Around 500 people took to the streets a week after the student protest in which numerous people claimed the Gardai were ‘heavy handed’ with protestors. FEE (Free Education for Everyone) led the march. There has been 28 complaints made to the Garda Ombudsman since the first protest. Photo: Janer Ali
6 NEWS
DIT News November 2010
Emigration at twenty year high By Louisa McGrath
R
ecent figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show the highest rates of emigration for 20 years. According to the CSO statistics, net outward migration of people from Ireland has increased from 7,800 in April 2009 to 34,500 in April 2010. This means that the rate of emigration is now four and a half times greater than it was just last year. This is the highest rate of net emigration since 1989. Although many of those emigrating were previously immigrants to Ireland, the figures show that emigration amongst Irish nationals has significantly increased in the year from 18,400 in April 2009 to 27,700 in April of this year. This means there are 577 Irish people emigrating every week and of those, the majority are young people. Australian Visa Specialists, who assist in migration visas have recently published figures that mirror this trend. According to the report, there has been a 60 per cent increase in the number of Irish people aged 18 to 31 years old looking to leave for Australia. Emigration figures at a 20 year high as more people leave to find work elsewhere. Photo: Paul Watson
Liz O’ Hagan, founder of Australian Visa Specialists said that “these groups are leaving either because they have just graduated and have no prospects here or have lost their job and can’t find another. Some have just lost hope in Ireland and are moving to Australia for better job prospects and a better way of life.” Earlier this month the government’s Budget Plan for 2011-2014 indicated that they are expecting some 100,000 people to emigrate over the next four years, expecting 45,000 to leave next year, followed by a further 25,000 in 2012. The government also predicted that there will still be 10 per cent of people unemployed in 2014. This means there is little hope for students who have just graduated or are expecting to graduate in the next 4 years. Postgraduate student David Caulfield plans to emigrate after he graduates. He said: “I heard that Toronto in Canada is a good place to find work. I might try to find a job out there, because I don’t think there is any chance of finding one here.” Other CSO statistics from March
showed that there was 59,000 unemployed graduates in Ireland. In addition to this there are 57,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students who completed their studies this year, not taking into account those in further education and other training, so it is likely that the current figure is even higher. When asked to comment on the issue President of DIT Students’ Union, Ciáran Nevin, said: “It’s obviously a matter of concern. At present there are 190,000 students in Ireland and it seems to be wishful thinking by the government that they’ll emigrate. We have to question the cost of educating people from small children to a degree level just to send them off to benefit other economies.” With companies such as Dell, Intel, Pierce Engineering and many others letting graduates go, many will have no choice but to leave the country to look for job opportunities. This will result in Ireland’s best and brightest leaving. So the ‘smart economy’, which the government has been relying on to rebuild the economy, will disappear.
DIT News November 2010
NEWS 7
Event soc Worky it out W
orky.com sponsered the DIT Events Society’s industry professionals meet and greet evening for their members, Tuesday 9 November. The aim of the event was to introduce industry professionals to future graduates of the event industry. It created networking opportunities for both parties involved. The evening was really well received, and was attended by professionals whose expertise ranged across the industry from weddings and conferences, to music events. The members had a chance to speak informally with the industry guests on a variety of topics including work experience, career advice, and hints and tips on succeeding in this line of business. The evening was proudly sponsored by worky.com. Worky. com allows individuals build their professional presence online.
Member profiles are promoted on search engines, and within the network, helping user’s source new opportunities including jobs, customers and new business. Worky’s sponsorship was the perfect alliance for the society as the aim of the Event Soc is not just appreciating a good night out, but also to help members improve their chances at achieving their future career goals. Visit Worky. com to help you with your professional identity, and market yourself the way you want future employers to see you (not to see your drunken facebook pics when they google you!). In tough economic times like these, it’s never too early to start promoting your skills and experience to the right people, which was the message of the evening. The evening was a great success, with many new professional connections made.
Wanna make a movie?
Members of Event Soc and other students at the meet and greet earlier in the month.
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Kim Manning and Amy O Connell
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ver watched M.T.V. and thought, “I can do that�? D.I.T. film society are launching an exciting new competition open to all D.I.T. students to help people live out their fantasies. The Film Society are asking you to take a piece of music that you love, that’s any music from ABBA to Zeppelin and put together you’re very own music video. The only rule is that this music can not exceed five minutes. As well as using any available music you can also use any recording equipment. This is an amateur competition so media students with access to professional equipment will have no advantage, shooting on your digital camera/ camcorder or even mobile phone is strongly encouraged. The competition deadline is the 24 February. After all entries are in, the competition will be judged by a panel of three impartial Film Soc committee members and the winners will be announced shortly after. There will be three prizes,
and the winning entries will be screened by Film Soc at a prize presentation evening. So far this year Film Soc has been running screenings every Thursday at six o clock and are currently in pre-production on three short films and aim to get the projects in the can before Christmas. Their featured directors have been working around the clock to get all three productions moving and ready to shoot as soon as possible. There is always a need for extras and don’t hesitate to contact Film Soc if you’re interested in getting involved with any of their productions. They are always happy to welcome new members, all you need is a love of film and a healthy dose of enthusiasm. And with the arrival of their very own film making equipment and editing facilities this year, they can cater for all budding film makers regardless of their levels of experience. Email ditfilmsoc@gmail.com for further details.
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8 NEWS
DIT News November 2010
> Continued from front page
Students studying engineering look set to be hit the worst, with four databases specifically aimed at their courses to be cut. Others in the firing line include Business Source Premier and Emerald Management Extra, aimed at business and management students. “The only realistic area for achieving cuts in the non-pay budgets is the subscriptions budget. This could be problematic but - as things stand - I see no alternative”, says Mr. Cohen. DITSU’s Vice President Clare Cullen believes these cuts will be “detrimental to the learning experience at DIT” and has called on the students to get involved and “make their voices heard”. Ms. Cullen claims these cuts will “destroy
any standard of learning we have at DIT” while the college will “plummet in the world rankings”. Disgruntled students have already expressed their anger at the libraries’ facilities, most notably the opening hours. One student questioned “why are the other major universities such as Trinity, UCD and DCU libraries open for much longer? The only people that are being punished are the students. Since DIT Aungier Street has recently introduced the self service book counter this surely should enable the library to stay open for a longer period of time.” Mr. Cohen acknowledges other colleges, Irish universities in particular, also reap the
benefits of the Irish Research eLibrary funding, while DIT does not. Universities such as DCU, UCD and Trinity College receive a budget of €6 million from this fund.. Mr. Cohen’s September submission estimated a 10 per cent cut would mean a reduction of €217,543 in library expenditure. He assures that students will be notified before any resources are cut. However, he believes they should be aware of the potential cuts: “you all need to know as soon as possible what lies ahead - in order to replace conjecture with facts. So it would be irresponsible of us if we did not make things clear now.”
Exams to take place before Christmas By Fionnuala Holohan
T
he air was lively and energized at the Governing Council this week – taking place as it did The Day After the student march against education cuts. This was not the only topic on the agenda, however, and the meeting went to three and a half hours, after which the clearly energized but tired SU body repaired to Karma.
Exams before Christmas
Dr. Michael Mulvey, Director of Academic Affairs, presented the current incarnation of the proposed revision to the academic calendar to the council. The main change to the calendar is the relocation of the Semester one exams to December, instead of January, as is the current situation. Dr Mulvey explained that this revision was based on a number of issues with the current calendar but drily noted that student opinion on the timing of the exams tended to wax and wane. This shift in the exam timing would have repercussions for the start of the academic year – it would start earlier, closer to the beginning of September, and for the end – it would end sooner in early May, with a shorter assessment period. This latter point would depend on a sufficient shift to continuous assessment in preference to examinations. Semester one examination re-sits would then take place in June, and Semester two
re-sits in August. The prolonged Easter break in Semester two would be split into a St Patrick’s week break and an further week break in April. The next steps for the draft is a review by the Academic Council in December, followed by detailed planning in 2011 with implementation scheduled for 2012. The Governing Council will be providing feedback on the plans so students with strong opinions or concerns one way or the other should speak to their class reps to get their voices heard. An interesting point was made on review week and how much it has diverged from its original purpose – to include different scheduled activities – this happens in some cases, not in others. Issues already raised and noted: potential impacts to work placements, the timing of grants to coincide with earlier start and some concern over the June re-sits.
Institutional Review
Dr Mulvey told the council that there will be a DIT Institutional Review in March 2011. Every five to six years, an international panel reviews all of the processes and procedures in degree-awarding institutions to ensure that quality standards are maintained, and it is DIT’s turn. Expect more information on this closer the time as this is intended to be a consultative exercise that would include the student body.
Grangegorman Groupies
A Grangegorman committee is being organised and will include student representatives from each faculty. Elections to this committee are continuing.
Save our Libraries
The body supported a feisty, take-noprisoners Clare Cullen, VP for Academic and Student Affairs, to press for the restoration of library staffing to the minimum required to staff the library appropriately – and to end the current restrictions on opening hours. Also ratified was a motion to campaign to have library facilities completely protected from further cuts.
Through the Barricades
This was the last topic on the agenda and resulted in several extensions of time. Ciáran Nevin, DITSU President, praised the turnout and extended a special thanks to all the supporters who helped prepare before the event. Anecdotes abounded from the floor – good and bad – and students were urged to take any complaints on policing directly to the Garda Ombudsman. Notes were made of improvements for next time such as better guidelines for student marshalls, better loudspeakers at the rallying point and better plans for dispersal after the event. DITSU is currently planning the next steps in campaign with the USI.
FAST FACTS The DIT Student Union Governing Council (GC) is made up of full- and part-time SU employees - which include the sabbatical officers and the campus class rep convenors and interested elected students from across the College – a set number per campus. THE GC determines DITSU official policy, co-ordinates the work of the DITSU Sabbatical officers and reviews the activities of the organisation, on a monthly basis. On a practical level, imagine a type of junior Dáil – similar protocol and procedure but with fresher faces. And better attendance
DIT News November 2010
Hit and miss for the 21st kiss By Cassie Delaney
S
ometimes I think that maybe my first boyfriend was the love of my life. He lived two doors down from me and from the first time I saw him I had butterflies. We sat together on the first day of school. He was my best friend. He was cute, funny, daring and he had a BMX. He wasn’t afraid of anything. I was in love. When we were ten we were officially ‘going out’. I genuinely believed we would be together forever. Alas, as perfect as he was, he just did not possess the maturity for a relationship and the whole ordeal inevitably ended in heartbreak. Still, before the anguish of the separation I did have my first kiss. I remember this as though it were yesterday. We were building a tree house with bits and pieces we stole from a neighbouring building site. It was at the stage were we’d been going out for about 6 months, and both felt it was time to take our relationship to the next level. However, at ten years old, the physics of kissing had not quite occurred to us and PG movies provided no insight what-so-ever. We had just about finished the tree house and locked eyes. We both knew what was coming. We just didn’t have a notion on how to do it. I thought I’d follow his lead. While I look back on this and cringe, I do think it’s a remarkably romantic coincidence that we both did the same thing. He tilted his head. I tilted mine. We knew that kissing (the grown up kind) involved something with tongues and so, he stuck his tongue out. As did I. And then the kiss came. Awkward, tense and completely void of all romance. Effectively, we stood head butting with our tongues out for about 30 seconds and deemed it our first official (grown up) kiss. We broke up not long after. The tenth anniversary of that kiss and subsequent break up is imminent and coincides with my 21st birthday. In the last decade I have had boyfriends and kisses a plenty. I have had semi-successful relationships and maybe even fallen in love once or twice. On the contrary to these romances however, there has been copious amounts of “dry spells”. Such is my current situation. Most humans are conditioned to find a mate, to seek out love and companionship. To find someone with which to share their
deepest thoughts and longings. To feel loved. To belong. To share and dream and adore. I, to be frank, just need someone to shift at my 21st. My relations are coming in abundance from County Clare. The inescapable situation that will ensue is a gathering of grannies and aunties clicking tongues and wondering why I haven’t found a nice lad yet. They will pester every young man I talk to, demanding to know his intentions and what his father does for a living. Basic damage control would be to identify one unfortunate boy as a boyfriend so that at least these interrogations can be isolated to one incident. One must also consider the mild panic attack that is sure to arise when the DJ announces the time for the 21 kisses. I heard an absolute horror story recently about a singleton who, perched at the top of a glittered out function room, sat in front of everyone she knew receiving her 21 kisses. It was all well and good finding the first 20 but the chap at the end of the line quickly realised the magnitude of being the 21st kiss. He darted from the line leaving Princess 21st sitting pretty while every lad at the party backed away slowly from the top of the room. In a valiant effort to spare the girl of a lifetime of humiliation, a grand aunt emerged from the crowd to plant the final kiss on the girls cheek. Oh, sweet irony. My lack of 21st kiss is not for lack of trying. As my mother so eloquently put it, I’ve not only sowed my wild oats, I’ve sowed a family sized bag of Odlums porridge. At a recent birthday party, I met a friend of a friend. He was an absolute gentleman from Cork and spent the night making me laugh and wooing me. By the end of the night I’d gotten the shift and he’d gotten my number. He text me the next day and seemed to have definite potential. By Wednesday however my tonsils were the size of tennis balls, and I forked out 60 quid to go to the doctor. Turned out Mr. Nice Guy was a breathing ground for infection and it took 1800mg of penicillin a day for the next week to eradicate his niceties from my system. Nevertheless, beggars can’t be choosers and if tonsillitis and streptococcal throat are the price to pay for the 21st kiss, then I’m buying.
FEATURES 9
News 10 FEATURES DIT November 2010
Scandinavian Adventure By Kyle Cahill
O
n 24 August 2009, I departed Dublin airport en route to a small city in the north of Sweden. Unsure of what was ahead of me, I was more excited than nervous yet, at the same time, worried about what I was leaving behind me, my family, friends and my rugby. However despite all my trepidations I was going and for the next 10 months a city called Umea was going to be my home whether I liked it or not. I found my feet after the first few days meeting all the Irish people on Erasmus and a host of other international students. Stereotypes were to some degree present such as the French enjoying their good wine, the Germans always being on time while the Spanish late. But when I look past this and the language barrier I realised that we were all the same, just a couple of kids on Erasmus looking to have a good time. I lived in a one bedroom apt with two Spanish guys and German guy for 6 months. Cosy! During the winter in Sweden
the average temperature was -25˚ and there is only 3 hours of day light. During the summer there was 24 hours of daylight and average temperature of over 20˚. The Erasmus student life in Sweden consisted of going out five nights a week and then nursing your hangover while going to college to just do enough to pass. Umea, was only 200 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle and so I made two trips there and to Lapland, where Santa lives (I didn’t actually see him!) We went dog sledging with real husky dogs, snowmobiling and even camped in the snow. I visited Norway and can only report that I paid the equivalent of 17 euro for a can of coke and sandwich - the result of which shortened my stay substantially. We also went to Helsinki and took a trip to Saint Petersburg in Russia which consisted of a 47 hour bus ride and an overnight ferry. However it suddenly became worth it when we walked into the supermarket only to
find that vodka was cheaper than water! Suffice to say can’t remember much of the rest of that trip! The best and craziest of all the trips were the two student cruises from Stockholm to Estonia and Latvia. These basically consisted of 2,000 students taking over a cruiser. Now I’m pretty sure the editor wouldn’t want me going into detail about what went on in these student cruises but
when you have 2,000 students all drunk on a boat in the middle of the Baltic sea, what else was there to do? Before I went on Erasmus I promised myself that I wouldn’t let the year pass me by and I didn’t. It was weird but an unbelievable experience. That’s only a fraction of my Erasmus experience. To anyone who is considering going on Erasmus, GO GO GO!
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DIT News November 2010
FEATURES 11
Makeover Monaghan Before
This month our fashion forward friend Blaithin Henehan decided to take the less fashionably fortune Tessa Flemming under her wing and give her a lesson on how to pull off the all important Dublin look.
“
Blaithin says:
Ok so loike everyone knows that I’m loike the sweetest girl ever, abso love love helping my starving kids in Africa, so it only makes sense that I loike help those around me that are less than fortunate. One day I’m loike sitting in class staring at this tragic farmer girl from Monaghan, I think her name is Nessa or Tessa or something. She could use a decent haircut and an eyebrow wax and maybe some clothes that didn’t once belong to her Nan. Looking at her outfit is just so hilars it actually just makes me wanna LOL. So I’m thinking I’m just so beautiful and well dressed and groomed that I should totally help her, I mean she’s a bogger so she just doesn’t get it, it’s not her fault! I know right I’m SUCH a genius. Anyway fast forward to talking her through the very
“
Tessa says:
Being from the back arse of nowhere in Monaghan, fashion isn’t something programmed automatically or naturally into my ignorant farmer’s head. My wardrobe largely consists of; hand-me-downs from the 80s, a boiler suit, Sunday mass gear, and a dress for the Friday night dance. Moving to college in Aungier street (the home of the UGG and the bed-head hair-do) probably would have went smoother if I had a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of fashion - like what the hell “I HEART PB” stands for. Determined to succumb to the pressures of modern day Dublin society, I decided to invest in a D4 overhaul make-over in order to make at least one friend. My mentor, Bláithín Henehan, arrived on my doorstep hauling a suitcase behind her the size of a small Massey Ferguson. The only tan I had ever heard of was the reputable “farmer’s tan”, got when we were out bailing hay in the summer time.
After
basics, she had no idea what “a bt2 was?” and why girls would willingly glue on fake eyelashes. I know, I know what have I gotten myself into? It’s like she’s from mars or something! But I’m loike, the BEST teacher ever so I transformed her from farmer to fashionista. Still loike, it wasn’t easy. My team of highly qualified style experts and I scrubbed, washed, brushed, tanned, preened, pruned, prepped, painted and poked Tessa Fleming until she glowed! Dressed head to toe in my fav designers she looked ahh-mazing! Totes unrecognisable. I swear sometimes I surprise myself with my talents. Next step is to sort out that accent and find Tess a man. Shouldn’t be too difficult after my tremendous efforts!”
Well, Bláithín near scrubed the skin off me with such rigour and determination in an effort to, “loike, leave no streaks! Eek!”. From there, I was squeezed, clasped, wedges and throttled into an array of tight dresses, high heels, uncomfortable hair-do’s and don’ts, and of course, strapped into the acclaimed and classic Ugg boot. In order to become a true D4, Bláithín sent me for some sort of electrician lessons so that I could speak and articulate like a native D4. Terminology such as libo, (library), lol, (laugh out loud) and OMG, (Oh My God), are the accepted tongue of the South Dublin population. From a time when I was pitied because of my “leprechaun” type accent, I am evolving into a mature, sophisticated, and above all, a well articulated young lady. Mammy’s going to be so proud when she sees me coming home through the fields on the donkey this weekend!
News 12 FEATURES DIT November 2010
Get Mammuth reductions with your societies card
You can catch Gerard Depardieu in Mammuth in the IFI as part of the French Film Festival 2010. Also, get €5 off membership cards and 2 for 1 on Mondays with your societies card
A
s Christmas gets ever closer we’re all looking for ways to save a bit of cash for presents, but that doesn’t mean your social life has to suffer. Even though it can fit in you wallet the DIT Socs Card still packs a mighty punch. For example, by simply flashing it at the Box Office at the IFI on Eustace St. (that’s the turn beside Apache Pizza on Dame St.
for those who are new to town) on any given Monday you can get two tickets for the price of one, which means you and a friend can catch a movie for under €4 each, that’s the cheapest ticket in town! Furthermore with a another swish of the Socs Card you can get IFI membership for only €10, which gives you further discounts on tickets for you and up to three accompanying friends, discounts in
the IFI Restaurant, 10 per cent discount in the bookshop, which also has a healthy selection of DVDs and much more. So why not put your Socs Card to good use and see some awesome movies on the cheap. The IFI screens a varied selection fantastic films from around the globe. Film Soc’s personal favourites are Jorge Michel Grau’s Mexican cannibal horror movie “The Way We Are” and Mike Leigh’s
latest release “Another Year”, an intimate ensemble drama about ordinary people starring Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try the IFI’s French Film Festival, which is packed with a fantstic array of French cinema. For further information on upcoming festivals, seasons and events at IFI check out their website at www. irishfilm.ie.
Society Spotlight
This Month THIS is what were talking about in The LGBT Society: Pink Training Alex Byrne talks to DIT News about the annual Pink Training event and what this means for LGBT people in DIT. What is Pink Training? Pink Training is basically a weekend of gayness, it's mostly aimed at those who might be new to college and helps young people get to know each other. It's a really great way to get those shy types (I used to be one) out of their shells. It's primarily a social event but it's also quite an educational experience. The workshops during the daytime come in very handy for young gays. Some of my favourites are: Heteronormativity, Gay Men's Sexual Health (they wouldn't let me go to the lesbian one) and of course everyone's favourite "sexual Empowerment". I've been to pink training twice and both times I've made new friends from all over Ireland.
Do you think The LGBT Society has a significant presence in DIT? LGBT definitely has a huge presence in DIT, it would be considered a medium to large sized society based on the number of members. At sign up days we always have the most colourful table. When I think of all the young men and women out there suffering because of those attitudes it makes me want to be a better LGBT president. I feel that it really needs to expand, I know a lot of gay people in DIT that aren't in the soc at all, and it is my goal to get them all involved. Our presence in DIT is most significant around rainbow week, in which we have events on the four largest campuses - all in aid of a selected
charity, last year we raised over €1000 for the Dublin Rape Crisis centre. Although the society is popular and fairly well known, people still come up to me, especially in Bolton St., and say "what does LGBT stand for" when I tell them, the subsequent look in their eyes tells me all I need to know about them. I think we need to get even more out there. We have shared events with other socs so hopefully in time, LGBT will become far more visible. What coming up for The LGBT soc? LGBT is a very active society, events are at least once a week. Our events are usually themed. Around Christmas time, we go Ice skating, we have Christmas dinner, we go
to the Panto. This Halloween we went to the theatre to see the Rocky Horror Show (hilarious), and we had fancy dress. On paddy's day, we have a "gaíli" in association with cumman na gaeilge, and this year we'll be visiting the leprechaun museum. We also attend protests on LGBT rights and we have party's in association with some of Dublin's most popular gay bars/nights. At rainbow week, we have events such as our staged gay wedding, in which Alex Byrne (me) got hitched to Aaron Byrne(no relation) and our table quiz. We have guest speakers such as senator David Norris and Ivanna Bacik.
DIT News November 2010
Why Volunteer? By Stephen Bourke
V
olunteering with Saint Vincent de Paul Society has been one of the best parts of my DIT experience. We’re a society in DIT that does the exact opposite of most others. We don’t set out to have adventures or banter, we aim to fight the forces of poverty. It’s about putting something back into the community outside DIT. The Liberties are an area suffering social problems. Three in five households live below the poverty line and unemployment is at 25 per cent. I remember doing work with SVP with my dad when I was younger and wanted to do something myself. When I came to DIT I got my chance. In first year I was mainly involved with the soup run, bringing hot drinks and food to the homeless begging in the City Centre. One man stands out. We were on a soup run one freezing night last December when we met a man sitting on the steps of the Custom House. He had been forced to leave his home and had spent the previous night in an abandoned building. He wasn’t sure where he would sleep that night. We gave him a hot drink and some sandwiches and talked to him. It’s easy to forget the homeless on the streets are people in their own right when you see them every day. When I shook his hand, it felt like ice. We had been out for maybe an hour and already I was frozen. I realised he had been outdoors all day. I gave him my hat and someone else gave him their gloves . He couldn’t thank us enough. Directly improving the life of a person in your own community is one of the best things you can do. It’s a great feeling.
How can you get involved?? SVP- The SVP has soup runs every week, usually on a Thursday evening. For more information contact svpdit@gmail.com Wells for Zoe -The application process to partake in the 2011 Malawi trip begins this week. First information meeting will be in the Blackbox theatre at 1pm on 22 November. For more information and an application form email Cassandra@ Wellsforzoe.org or Elaine@Wellsforzoe. org. The Students Union website regularly updates on volunteering opportunities within the college. Check out http://www. ditsu.ie/volunteering-opportunities for information about current organisations.
FEATURES 13
DIT SVP Appeal 2010 After the un-resounding success of last years Christmas Appeal when over 1000 gifts where distributed to children across inner city Dublin, the DIT Societies Office would like to make all students and staff aware of the 2010 DIT SVP Christmas Appeal. It will be held from the 6 – 9 of December on all DIT campuses and there are a number of ways that students and staff can help out. It will be a roadshow concept, the same as last year, where the SVP, with the help of numerous other societies including DJ, Breakdance, Circus and Juggling and Poker, will hit all of the five main campuses of DIT. They will be holding lunchtime events on each of the sites, timetable as follows: Monday - Aungier Street Tuesday - Kevin Street Wednesday - Bolton Street Thursday - Mount Joy Square and Cathal Brugha Street. They will also be conducting bucket collections to raise funds for the 2010 appeal on each of these days. There will also be a midweek night time event with DIT Gig Soc with very special guests. The Christmas appeal comprises of : - The Giving Tree (in conjunction with
DIT Sports, DIT Chaplaincy Service and DITSU), where students and staff will have the opportunity to buy a present for a child or indeed an adult in these testing times, and drop it off in the Societies Office or any SU Office. - The hamper collection/distribution of hampers. There will be a box in the foyer of every site where students and staff can deposit foods. (i would like to appeal for non perishable, luxury items such as sweets, biscuits, Christmas cakes, pudding, cereals, sugar, teabags etc) - Bucket Collection during the Christmas Appeal week. Again this will be students collecting funds to buy foods for the
hampers and to buy additional presents for the Giving Tree. We would welcome staff members to make collections within there offices or indeed get involved on campus that week collecting moneys. The distribution of the hampers will take place in early December and the gifts from the giving tree appeal will be delivered to SVP headquarters in the third week of December. We would like as many students and staff of DIT to get involved and help as much as they can. For further information contact teri.oboyle@dit.ie or 4024142.
News 14 FEATURES DIT November 2010
Since founding the organisation Wells for Zoe in 2005, John Coyne and his wife Mary have travel to Malawi several times a year. Every Easter a group of DIT volunteers travel with John and Mary to Malawi. Here John explains why he feels the need to return time and time again.
Why return, time after time, to this unusual existence? There is certainly something to be said for bringing clean drinking water to remote Malawian villages crippled by waterborne diseases, like cholera and typhoid. It is almost unbelievable that so many lives are saved by something as simple as a pump and well. Water is the big picture. But we also get to do so many other less dramatic things, like irrigation, seeds, education and meeting the needs of the people we serve. We say it is inspiration, education and challenge that work. I feel inspiration is seriously under rated; without it there’s nothing. I refuse to be a delivery boy of aid - to go there, give out the goodies and never be seen again. It does nothing, achieves nothing and is a total waste of time. Of course, it may do a lot for a donor’s ego, but ego was never part of our plan - if we ever had a plan. But still, it is more personal than that. There is so much to be learned from amazing women and so much to be gained from working with people on the most perilous edge of humanity. The whole
process of teaching and learning is exhilarating and uplifting, but sometimes it’s annoying, exasperating and devastating - but never bland or boring. I go there because I know I can help. I go to be with Malawian people themselves. To journey with amazingly warm hearted, cheerful, hard-working people in their villages. To feel their pain, to provide opportunities, to come up with new ideas. To spend time with them, on their terms, in their homes and with their families, sharing meals with them, even though its always that awful nsima. There are volumes of lifelessons to be learned: patience, perseverance, hope, gratitude, dignity, joy, simplicity, hospitality and humour. They are the salt of the earth. And then of course there are the miracles and sacramental moments. Like a volunteer sitting on the ground with a group of 4 year olds writing their figures with little sticks, or making paper aeroplanes or blowing bubbles or playing snakes and ladders. Miracles like a woman clapping as she reads a new page of a 6 year old’s book.
Moments like being asked to hold and name, an hour old baby girl, in the birthing centre. Like looking at Binna’s seedlings, budding and grafting; a whole miracle in itself considering that he suffered a serious mental health problem, went to SJOG services and is now (and always was) a genius with plants. There’s a whole range of people finding their feet and voice, beginning to realize their potential, having received the slightest of a jump start. Malawi is not all pretty, there’s corruption, abuse, aids, infertile soil, lack of education all mixed up with culture and tradition. But on the upside there’s inspirational and endearing women who with a little help can rescue it from all its ills. Maybe that’s another good reason to be there. Imagine driving a truck loaded with pipes, pumps parts and workers over rocky rutted roads, through a treeless barren, bone dry landscape. Imagine what it feels like to hike with villagers up and down hills, passing their little houses, over parched earth to reach well site. Of course you’re wrecked, hot, dirty, with your
brains and ass rattled like never before, but you are certainly alive. The intensity of the experience, the work, the concentration, the heat and the exhaustion pushes you to the limit. But then you dance and sing and laugh with women celebrating the first clean water they have ever had in their village. You watch the magical scene of children rushing to cup their hands under the sparkling liquid spurting from the pump and it’s impossible to leave that village without a complete replenishment
of your physical and spiritual energies. So, simply put, I go to help, but I also go to be lifted, to feed my soul, whatever that is, with work, sometimes laughter and tears, but with a purpose. The experience is a clear reminder that we are indeed all one, all part of the same creation, all put here to help and love one other. It transcends language, culture, religion and skin color, and awakens the spirit in each of us”.
Some DIT students in Malawi 2008 with Wells for Zoe
DIT News November 2010
Affecting people: My experience
By Cassie Delaney Features Editor
W
e had a long stop over in Nairobi airport. We had already flown from Dublin to Amsterdam and from Amsterdam to Nairobi. From Nairobi we were about to fly to Zimbabwe and then from Zimbabwe to Lingonwe. Then, just a six hour bus journey and we would be in Mzuzu. I think. Having over 27 hours of travel in total we were starting to get a little disconcerted. There were so many things in Nairobi airport that were reminiscent of home. I saw Holly Willoughby’s face on a copy of Company magazine. Smirnoff vodka was sold next to Marlboro cigarettes, both priced in US dollars. The airport was packed full of travellers – mothers and children dying to get home, businessmen clammy in their black suits, and us. We weren’t uncommon; many wide
One suited businessman laughed at us and said we would achieve nothing. We could not, and certainly would not affect change. eyed aid workers from the West had passed through this airport. Dressed in our matching royal blue ‘DIT Wells for Zoë 2010’ we drew a lot of attention. Many people asked us where we were going, what we were doing and what we wanted to achieve. The response was not what we expected. People sniggered. One suited businessman laughed at us and said we would achieve nothing. We could not, and certainly would not affect change. Those were his exact words. I was still thinking of his words when we arrived in Mzuzu many, many hours later. It was an encounter on Lusangasi farm a few days later that made me realise he was wrong. Josephine lived on the farm with her children. Josephine cooked Joesphine and her children on the farm
FEATURES 15
under a corrugated tin roof. Maize was piled on the ground. Josephine cooked in a burnt pot which sat in an open flame. Her son played with the baby next to her. The pot over flowed of boiling water, to which Josephine added handfuls of floured maize. She stirred the bland mixture until it came to dough. She shaped the dough with her bare hands and fed the children. She herself ate the dough – nsima – with a pinch of spinach. I sat and talked to Josephine. Her husband was a drunk – an unfortunate but common trait in Malawian men. He left Josephine to care for their children and took another wife in Johannesburg. She worked now on the farm. As she talked I was taking pictures of the children playing, the fire burning, and the small pot of nsima. Josephine was fascinated by my camera. I took a picture of her and showed it to her on the small digital display. She was completely in awe, and started sitting and posing with the children - laughing hysterically with each new image I showed her. As I stood to leave a small time later Josephine offered me a plate of the food she had prepared. I didn’t want to take the food – simply because I knew there were many mouths to feed and little nsima. Josephine was adamant so instead I sat and ate a small amount with her and her children. As utterly cheesey as it sounds, for the few moments I sat with Josephine and her children, I was part of her family. When people ask me the most what significant thing we did in Malawi was, I don’t reel off the list of physical things we changed. I don’t tell them about the labour on the farm or about the work we did later in the preschool. I tell them we met people. I tell them we connected with people. And if anyone asks me if I think we influenced change, I tell them we can’t affect change. But we can affect people.
News 16 Fashion DIT November 2010
Shop of the month
Winter Warmers By Amy Lewis
Inside Lucy’s Lounge, Fownes Street, Temple Bar
By Stephanie Costello Fashion Editor
A
Cheap Chic Jenny Whelan
I
wish I could justify a shopping spree in MAC. Unfortunately, when one eye shadow is worth three days’ worth of lunches, I can’t see it happening. But the good news is that you don’t need to drain your bank account to look primped and polished.
Dublin based designers, you’ll find it difficult leaving this treasure chest of veritable gems empty handed! Lucy, the eponymus owner of the store which has been open in its current location for an astonishing 17 years now, has a genuine passion for vintage pieces “What I love most about reusing clothes is the voyeristic aspest of it. I often wonder about
the past life certain pieces had and love nothing more then when i find little trinkets left behind in old coat pockets!” Unlike some other vintage shops dotted around the city, Lucy doesn’t believe in charging an arm and a leg for her one off clothing, so expect to find some dainty patterned dresses from €20 and winter friendly coats starting from €25.
A lot of us are scared of cheap makeup. Indeed, sometimes you risk blotchy itchy skin and running mascara. There is a lot to be said about investing in a decent foundation and concealer if you need it. I would be lost without my Benefit Erase Paste (inset). But if you are blessed with perfect skin, consider not bothering with a base; just throw some powder on to keep things even looking. I have found some total gems on the cheaper side though. The biggest revelation was Penneys Liquid Eyeliner from their €1.50 essentials range. It goes on even and smooth and dries in
no time. It has stayed true for me through rainy days and the sweatiest of night clubs. When it comes to the sillier side of makeup, ie anything glittery or neon, cheap ranges are pure gold. Essence is aimed at the teen market but is great for picking up bits that you will only wear once or twice. Their eyeshadows come in little capsule sets that let you colour and contour for less than a fiver. A big plus is that they do not test on animals. Of course, removing make-up is as important as getting in on right, unless you like blackheads. I love Tesco Vitamin E Make-up Remover. It smells faintly of rose water, is cheap as and does not leave an oily residue. I have heard good things about the rest of the range too, and have my eyes on their toner.
Zara €69.95
nd now for something completely different! For those of you who desperately wish to break free from the stranglehold of the High Street, Lucy’s Lounge, situated on Fownes Street in Temple Bar, is just the place to head. Packed to the brim with everything from customised vintage dresses to darling ornate hats and handmade jewellery by
Over the past few weeks, I’ve cursed my flimsy jackets and dainty skirts for their inability to protect me from my number one enemy: the winter chill. I’ve been clinging to radiators, overdosing on tea and sitting dangerously close to open fires in a desperate attempt to get heat into my bones. It took an incident during which my jacket (and myself may I add!) almost went into flames for me to decide that, enough is enough. It’s time to invest in a winter wardrobe. Girls, I’m sure you’ll agree when I moan about women’s clothing being highly unsuitable for winter. While I’m a fan of pretty skirts and dresses, something about wearing them in sub-zero temperatures is just incredibly wrong. Thankfully, I’ve managed to hunt down some key pieces that will certainly keep you toasty this season. This navy duffel coat from Zara (€69.95) will surely keep the shivers at bay. For those on a budget, Penneys has a lookalike for €25. A cream bobble knit scarf from Awear (€15) and chunky mittens from ASOS (€12.44) guarantee to keep you cosy. I love this pompom hat from Accessorize (€29), adorable practical! Finally, I found these fur cuff boots in New Look (€34.99). Team them up with tights or stockings and you’re ready to face the great outdoors! Hibernation isn’t the only option this winter!
New Look €34.99
Accessorize €29
Decent Days and Nights
Fashion by Stephanie Costello and Hazel Fannon Photography by Mick Flanagan Model: Helen Flynn Shot on location in The Bernard Shaw
DIT News October 2010
FEATURES 13
LEFT: Cream Blouse, The Harlequin €30 Leather Shorts, River Island €40 Sweater Vest, American Apparel €58 Silk Scarf, Carousel €15 Fur Coat, The Harlequin €150 Knee High Black Socks, Topshop €12 Lace up flat boots, Buffalo €125
RIGHT: Coat, American Apparel €74 Dress, Carousel €59 Belt, sylists own Scarf, Alexander McQueen, Available at Brown Thomas €175 Bag, stylists own
Right: Blouse, American Apparel €66 Bodysuit, American Apparel €36 Suspender Tights, Topshop €12 Faux Fur Hat, Lucy's Lounge €25 Vintage Belt, Stylists own
Above: Black Bodysuit, American Apparel €44 Denim Shorts, The Harlequin €25 Cardigan, The Harlequin €39 Bowler Hat, H&M €10 Silk Scarf, tied around hat, Carousel €15 Leather Gloves, The Harlequin €15 Black Wedges, Buffalo, €130 Suspender tights, Topshop, €12
Right: Dress, River Island €58 Gold Bangle, Stylists own.
20 Fashion
DIT News November 2010
Forever yours, Forever 21
By Stehpanie Costello Fashion Editor
I
f you haven’t already been, then I urge you to calmly put this paper down and get yourself to the new Forever 21, located in the Jervis Street Shopping centre on Henry Street. The US retail giant, famed for its fashion forward and eye wateringly cheap wears has decided to set up shop in Dublin, making us the first country in the whole of Europe to boast the much coveted brand. However we won’t be alone for too long, as the fashion chain on average opens around 90 stores a year and the wheels are already in motion for some outlets across England. Since its humble beginnings in 1995, Forever 21 has grown into a multibillion dollar enterprise, offering catwalk
inspired pieces at a fraction of the cost of it’s High Street peers and has proven, through use of celeb fashion blogger Rumi of Fashion Toast in their advertising campaigns that they are contemporary and cool. The new store is fitted on three different levels and covers a sizeable 69,000 square feet, which makes browsing, at times feels like a workout but also guarantees you’ll find something to wear on that all important night out. You can also visit the stores new european website, where you can browse the entire store from the comfort of your own home at www.forever21.eu
Campus Style Spotter Just two of the gorgeous looks available at Lanvin for H&M in just two stores on 23 November
Elbows at the ready.. it’s Lanvin for H&M
H
&M, the high street Mecca generally associated with on trend, casual and affordable clothes has outdone itself once again with another stellar, if not slightly unbelievable, collaboration. Lavin for H&M will see the French power house of luxurious elegance, headed by the inimitable Alber Elbaz, design pieces that appeal, in these recessionary times, to our modest budgets and will undoubtedly tug on our purse strings. While in the past H&M have worked with designers such as Stella
McCartney and Comme des Garçons, their paring with Lanvin, one of the most coveted and exclusive labels in the world, appeared like it wasn't going to go ahead due to Elbaz's initial reluctance to do a mass market collection. The designer was careful to shy away from the fast disposable fashion pieces that plagues the High Street and focused on bringing the well know label to a wider audience, 'not just a dress for less'. The collection is very much in touch with the Lanvin aesthetic of chic well designed staples and many
of the clothes look like their genuine, albiet significantly more expensive counterparts. Standout items include the sumptuously structured cocktail dresses and tongue in cheek sketched t-shirts, drawn by the man himself. However, if past collaborations are anything to go by, we would suggest all discerning fashion lovers getting down to the South King Street Branch or Dundrum Town centre on 23 November early, armed with a sleeping bag, a flask of tea and sheer determination as this is surely going to be a sell-out.
Steven Pierce 2nd year Marketing
Christine Dobban MA Public Relations
INTERVIEW: Rubberbandits Student Nights Celebrity Treats
DENT logo designed by Hana Hudakova, fourth year design student in DIT
22 DENT
DIT News November 2010
So, Kings of Leon are playing Slane...
By Kevin Donnellan
S
Entertainment Editor
o Kings of Leon are playing Slane. And at the height of a recession 80 quid tickets sold out in record time. Then they sold out their ‘intimate’ gig in the O2 in no time as well. What is it about these four Tennessee boys that has world in raptures? And why do as many people seem to hate them as like them? If you ever need to split a group of people in half quickly and efficiently just ask them if they like Kings of Leon or not. More often than not you’ll get an even split, aside from a couple of confused looking mature students. We can trace this split back to one specific moment in September 2008. The release
of ‘Sex on Fire’, the first single from the band’s fourth album ‘Only by the Night’. That’s the point where some people decided Kings of Leon had ‘sold-out’, while others discovered that these guys existed in the first place and promptly decided they were the world’s greatest band. But who’s right? Well I suppose we could approach the matter calmly and logically. Study record sales, look at the origins of rock music itself and the influence it had on us as a society. Maybe I could survey a group of Kings of Leon fans, get to the heart of them as people and find a larger truth about the band through this psychological experiment. Or… I could use stereotypes. Great, big, trundling ‘ol stereotypes. Yes, I’ve decided, that’s what I’ll do. It’s more accessible and it requires less work and more flippancy. So first let’s present the ‘original fan’ of the band. We’ll call him John, he wears band t shirts, has long hair and writes a music blog. Oh and he’s completely fictional. John says: “I’ve known about Kings of Leon since 1999, I wrote about them on my
blog just a week after they formed, before they had even recorded anything. Like, their early stuff was actually really good – cutting edge. But they just got eaten by the corporate music machine. I mean they want to be popular and sell loads of records which is just evil you know? Oh and ‘Sex on Fire’ is the worst thing ever recorded. It makes me want to remove my ears with wire cutters.” Ok John, thanks for that. Now we’ll take a word from a ‘Sex on Fire’ era fan. Let’s call her Sarah. She’s blonde, wears Ugg boots and does Economics. Oh and she’s also fictional. Sarah says “Well I’m loike a real rock chick, you know? But there weren’t any good bands since loike Oasis. Then Spin started playing ‘Sex on Fire’ and I was like “OMG - instant classic”. So I found out that it was by this little American band and I loike told all my friends about them and now they love them. And it totally helps that the singer Caleb is an absolute roide. I was first to buy tickets to Slane, loike I’m a true fan. I just wish that less chavs liked
them, I mean, they’ve kinda ruined them.” So basically neither of these extremes are right. John? Shut up, there’s nothing wrong with being popular. Yes there’s an argument that Kings.. were more interesting earlier in their career. But what’s wrong with trying to find a larger audience? Maybe there’s something worthy in captivating the millions who buy one album a year. Maybe that’s a bigger achievement than not ‘selling out’. Oh and Sarah? Liking Kings of Leon does not a music fan make. Try listening to their earlier albums at least before you start waffling on about them. Oh and don’t use the phrase ‘rock chick’, only girls that are too cool to use the phrase ‘rock chick’ are rock chicks. And the rest of us? Well maybe we’ll be in Slane, maybe we won’t. It should be a good gig even if the traffic out of the place is always a nightmare. But sure if we don’t make it then no worries. There’s plenty more bands out there to hear and sing along to and argue about.
DIT News November 2010
Oh Cheryl..
Celeb Treats by Eleanore
Fade Street? Oh you mean Fake Street!
Illustration by Fake Street on Facebook
‘edgy one’ who gets a job at MCD Music Company. Cici is irrelevant so far, while Louise and Vogue (who talks like a man might I add) are about to start internships with Stellar magazine. I predict a Whitney Port/Olivia Palermo style feud coming soon. It’s blatantly By Eleanore Hutch obvious in this economic climate that these jobs were acquired by RTÉ, while y first impressions of watching they also most likely pay the rent for the RTÉ’S new show Fade Street luxurious Fade Street flat for these over was that it was exactly what I privileged bimbos. I do realise that I am thought it would be. It is contrived, probably just jealous. predictable, and obviously scripted. It seems I am not alone in my negative Fade Street has been called Ireland’s opinion of the show’s lack of realness. version of The Hills, and this couldn’t Facebook profile Fake Street has be a more appropriate description, popped up, which shows sarcastic comic as it full of beautiful girls with stupid strips about the obvious scripting. One names who frankly don’t have a clue. Facebook user Sarah called it “painful Louise, Cici, Dani and Vogue (yes, viewing” when Louise showed the there is actually a girl in the show called camera a “pensive look before getting Vogue) are four girls living in Dublin into the taxi after realizing the holiday who conveniently all get prestigious of a lifetime in Marbella may be on the internships at the same time. Dani has line.” A new blog which is also called moved from Wexford up to the big The Fake Street (my clever title seems shmoke and it evident that she is the very unoriginal now) is hilariously
M
DENT 23
funny as it completely takes the piss out of all the girls. Perhaps one of the funniest lines is: “there is no doubt that Louise is in fact a 40 year old woman sent to spy on the group by RTÉ bosses to ensure that the show’s budget is not exceeded.” Everyone should read it! RTÉclaim the show is not scripted and the cast do not show emotions on demand, which is a load of rubbish. No real girls walk to the dart dressed to the nines in high heels with styled hair. Fade Street is a reality show that is not real, and so it fits right into a genre with MTV shows The Hills, The City and the UK’s Living on the Edge. Despite my negative review, shows like these are very addictive, and I have no doubt that ratings will be high for Fade Street, and no matter how many times as I say won’t watch it next week I know that I probably will… Fade Street is on RTE2 at 9pm on Thursdays
So, Cheryl Cole has recently decided to dye her hair a dark shade of red. And it’s disgusting. It’s not just a little bit vile, no, it’s really quite awful. Cole is often called one of the world’s most beautiful women, and has come first in ‘lad mag’ FHM’S ‘100 Sexist Women’ in both 2009 and 2010. In her L’Oreal adverts, her hair looks amazing. Cole is one of those women that all men want to date and all girls want to be. So, one has to wonder, why on earth has the most popular women on TV made a complete and utter dog’s dinner of her hair?! Has she gone mad? Does she like the cheap ‘n’ chav look? Or has she understandably gone colour blind? Her questionable new look brings many questions to the nation’s lips, and Cole has shed light on this mind – boggling mystery in a recent interview. Cheryl Cole actually said that she “cringes” at the thought of being the nation’s sweetheart. She is not flattered, touched,
delighted or any other positive adjective. No. She cringes! And so, while you pick your jaw up off the floor at this revelation, you may consider the mystery of her horrible red hair solved. Cheryl Cole has dyed her hair this sickly shade of plum in a bizarre attempt to turn the nation off her. Then, to further add insult to injury, she ties her plum hair in a chavtastic plait and teams it with clashing pink lipstick on a recent X Factor live show. Ouch. Cole claims she is unable to ‘cope with all the different people’s opinions about her’. (I bet she would love to read this!) Cole hates being written about, as she told Piers Morgan on Life Stories, however dying her hair red has only made people write about her more. Cole says “It’s a new chapter” and one may think of a phoenix rising from ashes (they are also red). While the nation may commiserate with Cole over her love rat footballer husband, her red hair is not taking the world by storm. So I beg you Cheryl, dye it back to the lovely brown that it was. Please!
24 DENT
DIT News November 2010
The ultimate question: Who do you think will win the X factor? X Factor mania is sweeping the world once again but this time it’s even bigger and well... more manic. So self confessed celebrity junkie, Eleanore Hutch took to the halls of DIT to see exactly what people thought of the X Factor, asking the ulimate question, who do you think will win?
Matt
Matt
Wagner Wagner
“
Who do think will win this year’s X Factor competition?” This is the question on everyone’s lips at the moment, and so, I took to the halls of DIT to ask the students what they thought. Massive notebook in hand, I nervously entered the canteen and realised the trick to doing Vox Pop’s without becoming overly intimidated is to approach small groups of people. Really, I shouldn’t have been nervous at all, as once the words ‘X Factor’ came out of my mouth, people instantly perked up, smiled and were eager to answer my question. Nearly every single person I approached did indeed watch The X Factor, and were very decided on who they thought should win! Matt Cardle, the 27 year old painter and decorator from the boy’s category, was named as the most likely person to win by a whopping 47 per cent of the students asked. Meanwhile, out of the girl’s category that are mentored by Cheryl Cole, 17 of you thought the soulful Rebecca Ferguson will win the coveted prize of a record deal. Cheryl’s other two girls fared worse, as the initially popular Cher Lloyd and the rather moany Katie
Waissel received only 9 per cent and 3 per cent respectively. However it must be said DIT Judge Simon Cowell has a glimmer of hope for winning, as his final act, the cute boy band One Direction managed to get 14 per cent of this vote, and might I add their audience consisted of both girls and boys! Louis Walsh’s Over 28’s on the other hand have a relatively small fan base in DIT with Dublin born Mary Byrne receiving pathetically few votes. The eccentric and vocally challenged Wagner managed to get a whole seven votes however, which shocked me to the core, though various group of X Factor ‘haters’ are running a campaign through Facebook aiming to make Wagner the winner, and this motion must have gained some ground here in DIT. And so after finishing this survey, I will be marching down to the bookies to put my money on Matt Cardle! When asked why she thought Matt was going to win, one student, Clare, said, “He is raw talent at its finest; I think he has the X Factor”. Well, I guess that’s reason enough for Matt to win!
Mary
Katie
Katie
Cher
Cher Rebecca
Rebecca One D One D
DIT GUITAR SOC
IN ASSOCIATION WITH GIG SOC DIT PRESENT:
THE
DIT
FA C TO R
COMPETITION
GOT WHAT IT TAKES?
GET yOUR APPlICATION fORM TODAy...
SINGERS/MUSICIANS CAN APPly AT
DITGUITARSOC@yAHOO.IE
Favourite to win: Matt Cardle is not only the bookie’s favourite but DIT’s too
Mary
DIT News November 2010
DENT 25
> Gig of the Month: M.I.A
M.I.A brought her unique visual style to Tripod on 15 November. There was crowd surfing, a stage invasion, shocking visuals galore and, oh yeah, some music with M.I.A’s seminal hit ‘Paper Planes’ raising the roof of the Harcourt Street venue. Photo: Damien McGlynn for state.ie
Student Nights Eva Hall
nightclub spans over two floors promising two chill out areas for those looking for a relaxed vibe on a Monday night, and a champagne and VIP bar to fit in with Temple Bar’s exuberant night life. Club M boasts to serving Dublin’s finest cocktails, and has remained one of Temple Bar’s number one night spots since opening a decade ago. Doors open at 11pm till 2.30.am with a cover charge of €8 or €5 with a flyer. All drinks are a recessionbusting €3 every Monday. Check out www.clubm.ie. Tip: Be prepared for stags and hens in every club in Temple Bar.
Tuesday
Monday
Club M offers Electric Juke Box every Monday night. Located on Cope Street in Temple Bar, the
Dicey Reilly’s of the Russell Court Hotel, Harcourt Street, has been entertaining students every Tuesday night since its recent refurbishment and €2 drinks promotion. Dicey’s is free in before 10pm and €5 after. Hot food is served all night in the award winning beer garden which
accommodates smokers with leather seating areas, heaters and 2 bars each side of the garden. If getting smoke blown in your face all night and braving the Irish weather isn’t your thing however, you can head inside to the equally as cosy bar and hit the dance floor with your €2 drink. Visit www. russellcourthotel.ie for more details. Tip: Do not forget your ID after 10pm.
Wednesday
Temple Bar’s newest basement club, Alchemy, formerly Boomerangs, hosts a student night every Wednesday on Fleet Street. Entry is half price (€5) with a flyer into this Renaissance-themed club, with an abundance of drinks promotions to cater especially for students’ needs. These include €4 for all pints, €12 for a bucket of four bottles of Budweiser or Corona, €10 for three Jaeger bombs plus many more. Check out
Alchemy’s official facebook page for a full list of drinks promotions every Wednesday night. Tip: If you buy your ticket for Alchemy in Buskers next door you can avoid the queue
www.pod.ie for full gig listings for Crawdaddy and the surrounding venues within The Pod. Tip: Wear annoyingly trendy glasses.
Thursday
Finish off the week with rock and blues at The Gypsy Rose on Aston Quay. With no cover charge and drinks €4 until midnight, this rock bar has two hidden rooms where you can relax with a game of pool or listen to the many live acts both up and downstairs. With The Gypsy Rose emblem emblazoned throughout the bar, as well as on the barrels used as tables, this music venue which doubles as a haunt for bikers which a penchant for leather-clad barmaids is every music lovers dream. Log onto www.gypsyroseclub.com for a peek into the clubs graffiti and artwork (albeit a rip off of Guns N’ Roses’). Tip: Watch Sons of Anarchy to get you in the mood.
Start your Thursday night at The Bernard Shaw with their 10 x 10 Drinks Specials. This Portobello pub offers vodka, cocktails, Tequila, Sambuca plus many more for just €10 each. After you’ve taken advantage of the drinks promotions here, continue on down to Harcourt Street where Bad Kids take to the decks every Thursday at Crawdaddy. Thrashing out the latest alternative and indie tunes to compliment the hip hop classics played in the new Chocolate Bar, this duo’s Thursday night offers their own drinks promotions. With pints on the menu for €3 and cocktails just €5, admission is free before 11.30pm and €5 after. Check out
Friday
26 DENT
DIT News November 2010
The western world can be roughly divided into three categories when it comes to the world of Hogwarts, Hippogriffs and Harry. There are the fans of the books who are never quite sure if they like the films, there are the diehard film fans who may not have even read the books and lastly there are those who are left cold by any mention of Voldemort or Quidditch. Seven films in and one to go; at this stage you’re either in or you’re out. With the final book in the series being the most action heavy, the producers have elected to split the Deathly Hallows into two parts. No doubt the cash cow that the Potter series has become for Warner Brothers also played a part in the decision. This movie should allow director David Yeates more breathing space for character development. But he is hamstrung by the decision to keep every action sequence from the book. Non-action scenes seem to be mere filler, many filled with clumsy exposition – a familar problem from previous Potter films. Ironically the strongest moments in the movie are when the script deviaties from JK Rowling’s celebrated text. There is a powerful opening scene where Hermione wipes her parent’s memory of her, for their own safety – something only alluded to in the book. Whilst the haunting animated rendering of ‘The Tale of Three Brothers’ (the story of the Deathly Hallows) shows that more can be achieved by using the original text as a starting point rather that slavishly following it word for word. Not that departures from the book are always welcome, there’s a surreal dance sequence between Harry and Hermione in a tent (yeah, I know). It conflicts with the whole Ron/Hermione will they/ won’t they story line and it makes cringeworthy viewing worthy of Fade Street. Overall, it’s more of the same, fans of the previous Potter films will love it, fans of the book will be unsure but watch it anyway and the remaining nonbelieving Muggles will shrug their shoulders and try to find a screen showing something else.
Kevin Donnellan
Living dolls is a modern account of the injustices faced by women in today’s western society and the causes and facilitators of these. As the name suggests, the book deals largely with commercialisation, and how it has played a huge part in the shaping of today’s narrow view of what it is to be female. Beginning with young girls, Natasha gives us the earliest glimpses of the conditioning of women. She paints a pretty picture of girls watching their ‘Sleeping Beauty DVD, playing with a Sleeping Beauty doll complete with the same costume, while dressed herself in a shiny replica of Sleeping Beauty’s dress’. Robots spring to mind. (Or is that just my ‘techi-ness’ amongst so much pink?) I digress ... but Natasha has a point. We live in a commercialised society where it truly is possible for girls to ‘trip off to school with Barbies or Bratz on everything from their knickers to their hair clips to their schoolbag, and come home to look at her reflection in the mirror of a Disney Princess dressing table.’ Incredible marketing strategies have accomplished the implausible, the fusion of girl and doll. And so, we have entered into the world of the Living Dolls. The book’s main body encompasses a great range of issues; from pole-dancers, prostitutes and pornography, to the myths surrounding babies, brains and hormones. However, this book definitely isn’t for the faint hearted. Walter gives us a very stark and raw view of some very sketchy topics. Quoting young prostitutes on their ordeals, she never abstains from any details. The words are harsh, tormenting, and all too real. When first recommended the book, I guiltily thought, ‘ugh, please don’t be one of those old fundamentalist feminist books....’ And yes, it does begin with this tone, but as Natasha gets into the reality of the injustice felt by modern women, she gains real ground and delivers her message with hugely graphic power. Would I recommend it? Not over tea and biscuits, but perhaps to fuel a violent debate. I feel bad saying it, but features of the book have real potential, but amongst the old hat views and slow progression, it’s just a bit of a trawl.
Sophie Cairns
Do me a favour. Go through this list of musicians and put a little line under every act you like. Black Sabbath, 2Pac, Alicia Keys, Eminem, Jane’s Addiction, The Doors, Ramones, Beck, Rihanna, Peter Gabriel, Nine Inch Nails, Nas, Miley Cyrus, Dr. Dre, Portishead, 50 Cent, Prince, Iggy Pop, Lady GaGa, Bananarama, Justin Timberlake, Lil’ Kim, Genesis, Phil Collins, The Jackson 5, N.W.A, Busta Rhymes, Beastie Boys, Simon and Garfunkel, INXS, The Clash, Cream, The Notorious B.I.G, Diddy, Nelly, Ke$ha, New Order, De La Soul. Tis a long auld list isn’t it? Bear with me, only halfway there. Maybe take a break - listen to your lecturer for while even. Ready? OK lets go again.. U2, Black Eyed Peas, Daft Punk, Rage Against the Machine, Depeche Mode, The Who, Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Daft Punk, MGMT, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Flo Rida, Madness, T. Rex, Kylie Minogue, The Rapture, The Temptations, Cyndi Lauper, Basement Jaxx, B.o.B, Arcade Fire, Radiohead, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Usher, Bruce Springsteen, N.E.R.D, Supergrass, A Flock of Seagulls, OutKast, Nirvana, Beyoncé, Phoenix, Lil Wayne, Neil Diamond, The Rolling Stones, Van Halen, Jay-Z, John Lennon. Pretty comprehensive list isn’t it? Well that constitutes about a quarter of the artists sampled on Girl Talk’s new mix album. Now I know what you’re thinking. “A mix album? But I’m not into Dj-ing and decks and all that stuff.” It doesn’t matter, this is an album for anyone with even the slightest interest in music of any kind. Die hard music fans will love the sheer depth of musical knowledge that is shown by Greg Gillis, the genius producer behind Girl Talk. For more casual fans it should be the soundtrack for preparing for a great night out, There is something for everyone here (as the above list demonstrates). And even the sections you don’t know are mixed so deftly that it doesn’t matter. This is the sound of your record collection being celebrated. And best of all - it’s free. The entire album is available for free download on Girl Talk’s website. Get it before the legal eagles decide that all this sampling should be illegal.
Kevin Donnellan
DIT News November 2010
DENT 27
Comedic Genius or Verbal Diarrhoea?
They sing about sniffing glue as an aphrodisiac when encountering larger ladies and call themselves Blindboy Boat Club and Mr. Chrome. This interview proves as random as they come, but then again, if you’ve ever seen the pair perform, you’ll understand. Sean Duffy caught up with the Limerick lads who form the Rubberbandits duo for a quick fire question session and came away entertained yet slightly confused... The Rubberbandits performing on stage with their signature masks.
Q: Ye recently played a gig at the DIT Freshers ball. What was your impression of DIT students? A: Loads of young girls who get jealous when our female dancers get on stage. Q: What’s the Rubberbandits plan of attack between now and Christmas? A: We’re going to crash pop music into the twin towers!! Q: What’s on your radar before a gig? A: I don’t enter a venue unless I know for a fact that there is someone hiding somewhere dressed as Wally, and I have to find him. And Mr.Chrome likes to have the ashes of the promoters grandmother
rolled into a joint. Not to smoke, but to sing to. Q: What was it like to fill the tent at Electric Picnic? A: It felt like a fresh copy of Neil Diamond’s biography on the day of its release. Q: What was it like sharing the stage with Crystal Swing? A: We ended up playing Ludo instead. Q: Is it true one of you scored the young one from Crystal Swing? A: The mother wouldn’t let us near her. I only wanted to give her advice about her
Leaving Cert anyway. Q: I heard Mr. Chrome got shot in the leg by Roisin’s father. Is this true? A: This was somebody else down in Limerick who got shot and stabbed in the same leg, on the same day by the same bird’s father. True story. Q: Describe in five words what it means to be “Limerick City”. A: The feeling of Limerick city is purely abstract and transcends all human senses. It is like the shadow of what a fortnight smells like. That’s Limerick City.
Q: Will we be seeing more of you on RTE? A: Not If Marty Whelan has any say in it. Q: Any plans to ‘break’ America? A: Refer to my plans for Christmas above. Hope that cleared things up for everybody. The Rubberbandits play the Button Factory on 16 December and their new single ‘Amanda’s Wedding’ is in shops from 5 December. If you can’t wait that long check them out on their weekly slot on RTE’s Republic of Telly.
DIT is a big auld college with no campus - which makes it that bit harder to get a handle on what’s going on, where and when. And that’s where DENT steps in. So come on folks whether it’s Soc events, a club nights, a fundraiser, a gig, a party, a shindig or a hootnanny we want to hear about it here at DENT. So if have any events, any at all, that you want to promote then give us a shout on ditnews.ents@gmail.com. There’ll be a comprehensive DIT Event Guide appearing in DIT News from next month onwards so make sure you’re not left out.
News 28 SPORT DIT November 2010
> Continued from back page result from all team members who were up against very substantial international teams from all over the globe.” Quinlivan believes it was a much more satisfactory set of results achieved than in the previous championships, “We were so close two years ago, and although Ben (Crawford) had won the individual medal, we were disappointed not to have collected more. “We came back this year more prepared, the riders put the effort in over the last few months, and it really showed throughout the entire tournament. Three riders in the top ten in show jumping, and a medal in the dressage really set up a fantastic result. It was the consistency across the entire delegation which resulted in this achievement”, Quinlivan added. The squad flew home extremely happy with their achievements but not before Quinlivan praised a number of important groups. “We’d like to thank Dubarry, Equestrian Jewellery and Elite Saddlery for their very generous support. In addition to the assistance received from Horse Sport Ireland and the Colleges and Universities Sports Association of Ireland. The IURCA has been great, but most of all the riders and their own universities who helped to fund the event. It’s fantastic to be bringing home 4 medals (2 Team, 2 Individual) to Ireland.” Upon returning home Glynn was among those honoured during last week’s sports scholarship presentation ceremony at the Dublin Institute of Technology. She received an elite-level scholarship at the ceremony in recognition of her recent success. The full results from the World University Equestrian Championships are listed. The Combined Team event saw Ireland take first place, followed by Belgium in second and Germany in third. Korea Republic came first in the Team Show Jumping followed by Ireland and France took the bronze. Belgium was in first position for the Team Dressage take first with Ireland finishing outside of the podium positions in fifth. The Individual Combined (Overall) saw Leen Geysen of Belgium take first followed by Sara Glynn Ireland/ DIT. Sara Glynn of DIT took silver in the Individual Dressage behind Rebecca Woolven and just ahead of Nicolette Schipper in bronze.
Sarah receiving her scholarship this month
DIT mens premier soccer team reach All-Ireland quarter finals
DIT Senior Football squad V CIT Div 1 league qtr final Back :Anthony McLoughlin, Paul Cunningham, John McGrath, Tom Cunniffe, Shane O'Connor, Conor Walsh, David Hughes, Kieran Martin, David Lyons, Diarmuid Connolly, Ciaran Reddin, Emmet Bolton, Gearoid McKiernan, Aidan O'Shea, Ronan Breen, Kevin Diffley, Eoin Reilly, Seamus Keane, Billy O'Loughlin, Colin Walshe Front: Paul Sharry, Shane Bergin, Nick Devereaux, Shane Tone, Cathal McHugh, Bernard Allen, Conor Lynam, Martin Reilly, Kevin McLoughlin, Gareth Bradshaw, Alan Freeman, Alan Nestor, Peter Domnican, Sean Swords, John McGrath, Graham Guilfoyle, Daniel Graham
T
he senior men’s team are set to take part in the CUFL Premier Division, East Section. It is widely viewed as the toughest division and DIT will have to overcome some very tough opposition if they are to triumphant come the end of the season. DIT began their journey in Grangegorman against a tricky ITT side. The game was cautious throughout with both sides knowing the importance of not losing your opening game. DIT had a number of halfchances but failed to open the scoring. ITT began to dominate towards the end but DIT defended bravely and both teams would have agreed that 0-0 was a fair result. Grangegorman was again the venue for DIT’s next game as they took on DCU, the team who were many people’s favourites to sail through to the quarter-final stages. DCU controlled the majority of possession in the opening half but could not find a way past DIT’s well disciplined back four. There were strong
performances at the back, in particular Gareth Matthews and Michael O Conner. In the second period, DIT playing downhill began to exert pressure on DCU all over the park and this forced some uncharacteristic errors. DIT began to control the game and a great run down the left by winger Darren Soon earned a free kick. Mark Kavanagh smashed the crossbar and Robert Church was on hand to head in from close range. With the teams tied, DIT manager Tony O’ Connor brought on pacey striker Toheeb ‘Tiger’ Adigun. It proved a masterstroke as a long ball downfield was pounced on by Tiger, who coolly controlled the ball and chipped the on rushing stopper to open the scoring. There were no further goals and Tony O’Connor’s charges secured their first win of the season after a fine team performance. Full of confidence, DIT next opponents were Colaiste Ide at the Oscar Traynor Centre. DIT started poorly as they struggled to keep up with a
sharper Colaiste Ide who took a one goal lead into half time. The second half saw an improved performance as DIT began to play to their potential as they began to create a number of scoring opportunities. Stephen Fitzgerald was brought on and this would prove to be an inspired substitution. He raced down the right beating a number of players before providing an excellent cross , which was converted with confidence by Tiger. Shortly afterwards, Fitzgerald struck an unstoppable shot from outside the box, which left the opposition goalkeeper with little chance, as the ball sailed past him into the top corner of the net. DIT closed out the game comfortably by keeping the ball to secure their second success of the year. Their next fixture saw an encounter with local rivals Trinity College, with previous meetings between the two teams bringing some heated battles.
The game started at a furious pace with DIT struggling to cope with the long-ball strategy of their Dublin neighbours. After sustained pressure DIT conceded a penalty which Trinity slotted home to go one goal up heading into half time. The second half saw DIT use the ball far better as they made Trinity work hard to gain possession. DIT equalised after good work by Darren Soon and Michael O’ Connor down the left side led to striker Barry Williams finishing smartly. The equalising goal was followed by a fine individual goal Barry Williams, who volleyed into the roof of the net to secure another victory for the men from DIT. DITS lies top of the group and are guaranteed a place in this year’s quarter-final. Their final group game sees a repeat of last year’s CUFL final as they take on a strong UCD side. All going well the lads can take a victory to continue their momentum heading into the quarter-finals.
DIT News November 2010
SPORT 29
Thirty nine DIT students receive sports scholarships D
IT celebrated its sports scholars on Friday 12 November when 39 new student athletes were presented with Sports Scholarships. The students represent a wide range of sports - from athletics, gaelic games, rugby and soccer to canoe, water polo and rock climbing – as well as a wide range of academic disciplines. The successful athletes include five elite student-athletes who were each awarded a sport scholarship postgraduate fee waiver. Presenting the awards, President of DIT, Professor Brian Norton said the event celebrated the commitment not only of the athletes but also of their parents. “Dublin Institute of Technology has excelled on the national sports stage by producing and supporting athletes to compete in national and international competition. I am consistently impressed with the level and variety of talent among our sports scholars. Their commitment to combining training and study is a tribute to them.”
Sinead McNulty, Head of Sport at DIT said the scholarship programme was indicative of the huge commitment to the area of sport and recreation in DIT. “The Institute has made a significant investment in sport over the years through continued support for this Scholarship programme and through the wider Sports & Recreation Service. Sport is officially on the agenda in DIT” Among the recipients was Sara Glynn, who had just returned from major success at the World University Equestrian Championships in Korea last month. Other elite scholars include Tim Kiernan, canoe freestyle; Sean Hendrick, canoe polo; Alan Freeman, Gaelic Football; Stephen Cole, hockey; and Sean Kenna, waterpolo. The four rugby Scholars were presented with their awards by ‘Champions of the Sport Scholarship Programme,’ David Kearney and Paul O’ Donohue, Leinster Rugby Squad members, who attended the ceremony.
Narrow miss by DIT in first game of the season By Darren Buttle
I
t’s been a busy month for DIT Rugby Club with the first two rounds of 1st XV fixtures taking place, as well as preparations for the first fixtures for the 2nd XV and freshers teams, both of which are coming up in the next couple of weeks. One area of the club which
has proven very successful and is experiencing a high turnout is the clubs weekly tag rugby and qomens rugby sessions. The first XV had their first competitive game of the season away to last season’s champions Athlone IT. This was a tough opening fixture for the team and some early scores from Athlone
Student Katie Murphy receives her award from Professor Brian Norton and Head of Sport, Sinead McNulty.
proved the difference. A number of lads were making their first appearance for DIT, and these debutants showed great character in fighting back against a very strong Athlone team, which contained eight players from last year’s winning team. The team created a number of great opportunities and capitalised with tries from Darren Buttle and Ian Curry, accompanied by a conversion from David Sheridan. It was the least the lads deserved as they fought bravely but ultimately came away from the match without the spoils, loosing in a narrow 25 to 12 points defeat. In the second first XV game of the year, DCU were the visitors to Grangegorman for a local derby. This was a much improved performance from DIT, with only a few missed tackles by our lads in
key phases of the game, the team could easily have come out on top. DIT played the better rugby for much of the game and tries from Darren Buttle, David Sheridan and Cormac Treacy along with the trusty boot of Gearoid McDonald kept the lads involved right up to the final whistle, ultimately coming out on the wrong side of the 34-25 scoreline. The first XV play their next game on the 24 November, home to Coleraine, so training between now and then is vitally important. Training takes place at 6.30pm for freshers and 7.30pm for others in Grangegorman every Monday evening. The club are also hoping to field a womens team this year and have held training the last two weeks. There are a bunch of very enthusiastic girls there who are
really looking forward to playing some games but more people are needed! Anyone who might be interested in playing, be it beginner or experienced player, are more than welcome to come along to training on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in Grangegorman. Aside from the competitive rugby the club hosts Tag Rugby every Tuesday night at 7.30pm in Larkin College Sports Hall. The numbers are continuing to grow every week and anyone who wants to come along and join in and have a bit of fun is more than welcome!! For more details on anything Rugby related, the club can be contacted at rugby@dit.ie or on the club facebook page-D.I.T Rugby.
30 SPORT
DIT News October 2010
DIT take on UUJ in a bruising encounter
Senior Hurlers have new management set up this year with Tipperary native Vincent McKenna taking over the reins of the Fitzgibbon team. Ably assisted by last year’s manager Micháel O’Keefe and Donal Doyle helped the team record a one point defeat to St. Pats, a draw with DCU and a comprehensive win over UUJ. This saw them progress to the last eight of the League. However, despite doing most of the hurling they lost out by a point to UL in the quarter final. The DIT lads ran out of steam in the second half and shipped two late goals to turn a contest in which they had dominated. The team have just started their training for the Fitzgibbon Cup beginning the last week in January. In preparation they play Carlow in the Walsh Cup in Carlow on Sunday, 16 Janaury. Best in the league to date Michael Murphy from Kilkenny, Padraig Donnelly, Liam McGovern and Paul Morris from Wexford.
By Cóilín Duffy
D
IT took on UUJ recently in what was a tough and bruising encounter. DIT ran out comprehensive winners in the end as they dispatched of their visitors from the north, sending them home with a 30-point defeat. The Jordanstown side travelled with just 16 players, after they were left severely depleted due to injuries and college commitments. They but battled bravely against a determined DIT side who needed to register a comprehensive win to secure a quarter-final berth. UUJ battled against a stiff wind in the opening half, but matched their Dublin counterparts well in the opening stages trailing by just 0-3 to 0-2 after seven minutes, following points from Derry’s Paddy Henry and Philip Murphy of Wexford. However, once Murphy’s Slaneyside colleague Paul Morris slotted over DIT’s fourth point, there was no let up as Vincent McKenna’s charges gave a scoring exhibition. Niall Kelly was eager to
pounce for DIT’s opening goal in the ninth minute, but a superb save from goalkeeper Eoin Gillan saved UUJ’s blushes. Pat Hartley and Seamus Logue swapped points, but the opening goal came in the 15th minute, with Liam McGovern netting to see DIT power 1-6 to 0-3 in front. The Dublin students were dominant in all sectors at this stage, and were certainly winning the midfield battle as they set off on a goal rush. Morris netted DIT’s second goal in the 13th minute, with Harry Kehoe adding a further goal, while three-pointers in the 29th and 30th minutes ensured Morris hat claimed a hat-trick as DIT claimed a 5-9 to 0-4 lead. Prior to Morris’ late twogoal salvo UUJ were dealt a major blow with the loss of their full-back Frankie Neeson of Antrim through a shoulder injury. They failed to give up and to their credit claimed the final point of the half, with Henry on target to leave the score at 5-9 to 0-5 at the interval.
With news filtering through from the other group stages clash that DCU were leading by two points at the interval, DIT knew that they had to up their game and they gave UUJ another torrid time on the restart. The opening four points of the second half went their way, with Mick Maloney registering a trio of points, while Niall Kelly was also on target, as DIT opened up a 23-point lead. Paddy Henry kept UUJ in touch, but the visitors were only able to register three second half points, as DIT continued to dominate.
Scores arrived from all angles, but the UUJ defence stood as firm as they could, and will certainly take some positives from their second half display as they managed not to concede a goal during the closing 30 minutes. Wexford’s Harry Kehoe, Paul Morris, Liam McGovern and Niall Kelly were among the danger men in the second half. Henry bagged his fourth point with four minutes left on the clock, but this was to be the last puck of the game, as both sides agreed to call time early with DIT never looking in doubt of victory.
Club Spotlight
Yoga By Colm Gerety
Hurling round up
A typical Yoga class usually begins with a warm up phase, which generally uses movements with a low to moderate speed and range of motion. This section is mainly designed to promote body awareness, rise the core temperature of the body and to increase blood flow to the muscles. The aerobics phase follows the warmup. The aerobics section is mainly aimed at improving cardio respiratory endurance and body composition and uses large body movements performed continuously so that the heart rate remains elevated. Following the aerobic workout, a cooldown phase reduces the heart rate toward resting levels and prevents excessive pooling of blood in the lower extremities. A Yoga class always ends with stretching and relaxation exercises. The cool-down is designed to lower the heart rate, help prevent
muscle soreness, enhance flexibility and reestablish homeostasis or equilibrium. The Aim of the Yoga Club The club provides an opportunity for students and staff to get physically fit and improve their health. It is an opportunity to get involved in extra curricular activities provided by the college. Students meet and get to know people from different course and many friend-ships have been formed as a result. Students find yoga a welcome break in the day and often find it reduces stress and tension when under a heavy workload in college. The club meets twice a week on Monday and Wednesday and Friday at lunchtime. Each seession lasts approximately one hour which provides a vigorous work out and acts as a catalyzed for students and staff to under take physical actives outside college.
Intermediate Hurlers have had only two competitive games to date, Pat Hartley’s charges have lost to both St. Pats and TCD. They face UCD in their penultimate league game. Championship after Christmas. Junior Hurlers under the guidance of Gerry Tully and Ciaran O’Shaughnessy have put in a credible league campaign. A seven goal rout secured victory against NCI, followed by a comprehensive defeat to a very strong Pats Thurles side. Bouncing back an eleven point victory over Tallaght IT, then a five point defeat to UCD, the lads next game is in the Leinster Championship after the exams in February. Best for the juniors in the league Pauraic O’Hanrahan Meath, Paddy Boggan Wexford, Mushy Kilkenny, Nicky Roberts Carlow. Fresher A Hurlers got off to a mix start in Division one with a win against DCU, a narrow one point win over Pats, followed by a five point defeat to WIT down in Waterford in a match they could of won with a hugely depleted squad. The DIT lads were made pay for this slip, as they nailed a draw against a very strong Carlow IT team, and suffered a narrow defeat to UCD in Belfield. The result against WIT swung the group and UCD and Carlow IT went through. However this was the Division 1 league and Adrian Cummins charges focus will be very much on the championship after Christmas. Best for DIT in the league, Conor Tobin Kilkenny, Frankie Power Dublin, Ronan Sharry Dublin, Niall Weir Meath, Eoin Doyle Kilkenny. Fresher B Hurlers began by getting to the final of the Fresher Blitz in Maynooth. Then they opened their league campaign with a win against UCD in Grangegorman, this was followed by a defeat to UUJ in Belfast and a concession to Queens Belfast. This saw the team bow out of the Division 2 league. However Harry Kehoe and Paul Morris’s team can look forward to a Leinster and Fresher B Championship after Christmas. Best for the B’s John O’Leary Dublin, Stephen Cooper and Brendan Wright from Meath.
DIT News October 2010
Football roundup
Senior Football New management team of Michael Hannon, Paul Clancy and Billy O’Loughlin took over the Sigerson side this year. In the league they have recorded victories over UCD, Maynooth, Carlow IT and Cork IT, which has brought them to a Division 1 League Semi Final against DCU. In preparation for the Sigerson Cup beginning in February, the Seniors have entered the intercounty O’Byrne Cup. DIT have drawn Wexford away on Sunday 9th January, with the winners to face Westmeath or Dublin in the next round. Best for the Seniors in the league to date, Kevin McLoughlin Mayo, Ciaran Reddin Dublin and Conor Lynam Westmeath. Intermediate Football Sean Fox, Ciaran Stone and Liam Ecock assembled a side for Division 2 of the Senior league. An opening win over TCD’s fisrt string , followed by a one point defeat to Dundalk IT’s main team and a comprehnensive defeat to St. Pats is what followed. The lads now await the Intermediate Championship draw fixed for February. Best for the Inters, Westmeath’s Shane Flynn, Ronan Breen from Dublin and Ross Hazley from Dublin. Junior Football Playing out of the Division 3 league, John McGrath’s men have gone unbeaten. With victories over UCD, TCD, DCU, and St. Pats. The lads now face Mater Dei’s first team in the Division 3 league quarter final this Thursday. Best so far in the league, Luke Benson Wicklow, Mark Kenny Wicklow, Cormac Gordon Mayo. Fresher A Football The Fresher A’s opened their Division 1 campaign with a home victory over Queens in Grangegorman. This was followed by an away draw to UUJ, and a win over St. Marys Belfast. This setup a Div 1 league quarter final against DCU last Thursday. However this proved a bridge to far and the Freshers were well beaten by nine points by a physically strong DCU side on a heavy rain soaked pitch. The Gale force winds played a large part in this game and left DIT chasing a lead in this game in terrible conditions. They now look to after Christmas where they are preparing to defend the Fresher All-Ireland Championship which last years Freshers won. Best in the league for Alan O’Mara and Kevin Diffley’s charges, Peter Boyle Donegal, Harry Dawson Dublin and Bryan Menton Meath. Fresher B Football The B’s lost their opener to Queens narrowly, but were well beaten by a very strong UUJ outfit up in Belfast. A drawn game in Belfield in UCD though does show promise for this team’s championship ambitions after Christmas. Best for the B’s Conor O’Brien from Dublin, Evin Kennedy from Dublin, Ian Curry Offaly and Tom O’Hare from Dublin. Fresher C Football Sean Swords, Ciaran Reddin and Bernard Allens team had an opening league win over UCD, but since then have found the going tough against Trinity and St. Pat’s first teams. They have one more game against Tallaght IT before they break for Christmas.
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Here come the girls Soccer team beat off UCD in rough conditions The ladies soccer team have had a great start to the season so far, with their most recent match against Sallynoggin ending in a 2-0 win. Showing that the girls have no problems playing in rough weather conditions and against tough opposition, the team’s first game of the season saw them draw 1-1 with
UCD in Belfield. There was disappointment however as they lost out in a narrow Challenge Cup defeat to local rivals Trinity College 2-1. The girls train in Larkin Community College just off Cathal Brugha St every Tuesday from 6-7pm and have matches usually once or twice
a week. There is also five a side competition which is taking place on the 22 November in DCU Any girls that would like to join or to take part in any on goings please don’t hesitate to call Emily on 0872670155 or JJ on 0857277537.
Ladies GAA Round Up Ladies Footballers Under new management this year James Costello from the Societies Office and Liz Gregan a Physics lecturer in Kevin Street, the team have had only two league matches to date. They lost out to St. Pats in Grangegorman and Trinity College last week. However the team are still only finding their feet with eight new players in the starting line up this year. They have a match in a fortnight against St. Marys Belfast in Division 2 of the league, before they break for Christmas. After the break the serious stuff will start as the team will be preparing for an assault on the Lynch Cup. Best so far for the girls has been new goalkeeper Lisa McIntyre from Dublin, Cathy Ann Miers from Kerry and Jane Dolan from Meath. Other new players to impress include Tessa Fleming from Monaghan, Aoife Burke and Coleen Brierly from Dublin.
Camogie To date the DIT Camógs have drawn with DCU, defeated UCD in the Division 2 league. Their next league match is against Athlone IT this Thursday in Roscommon. Preparation for defence of their Purcell Cup title begins on Saturday week with a tough away trip to NUIG in Galway. The girls are hoping to play their league game against Trinity before the Galway trip. Best in the league to date Joleen Hoary from Dublin, and Jane Dolan from Meath, while new comer Rachel Costelloe from Dublin has also impressed.
dit
sport
DIT student helps Ireland take gold in equestrian championship By Colin Higgins Sports Editor
D
IT student Sara Glynn was part of a triumphant Ireland team that took part in the World University Equestrian Championships in Korea this month. The Irish team brought home the gold in the combined team event, ahead of tough competition from 20 other nations. The event is a dual discipline competition comprising of both dressage and show jumping. Trained by international eventer Sue Shortt and also accompanied to Sangju in South Korea by Chef d’Equipe Natalie Quinlivan, the Irish team produced the country’s first ever University team gold, having previously won individual medals in the biennial event. DIT’s Glynn was joined on the team by Nicola Fitzgibbon (Trinity College), Ben Crawford (Queens University), and reserve Suzie Cave (Open University). Crawford would have been seen as the teams pre tournament hope for a medal,
having won individual gold at the previous championships in Algeria in 2008. It was Glynn however who stole the show reaching the individual final in both the dressage event and overall, finishing with two silver individual medals to go with the team honours. She finished just behind Britain’s Rebecca Woolven in the dressage phase. Glynn, 22 studies marketing in DIT, is on an Erasmus in Berlin University this year, was beaten by less than one percent by Woolven of Britain who took gold, an extremely small margin in an event run over three days. Sara who was representing Killossery Stud as well as her college and country was not the only member of the Irish team to perform. Ben Crawford was knocked out in the third round, after a very fine display by Nicolette Schriber from the Netherlands. The Dutchman would show his class by later going on to achieve bronze. Nicola FitzGibbon from Trinity College also performed bravely taking seventh place overall. The gold in the team event was made even sweeter as the Irish team piped neighbours and fierce rivals Britain into second place. The British had to be disappointed in picking up the silver in the team event, but a gold medal won by Woolven in the
Irish Equestrian team - From left to right - Sara Glynn, Natalie Quinlivan, Suzie Cave, Nicola Fitzgibbon and Ben Crawford
individual dressage competition will have compensated for it. The British team of Georgina Strang, Rebecca Woolven, Danielle Jackson and reserve Joanna Honey were all knocked out in the second stage of the individual dressage competition, except for Woolven.
The show jumping competition didn’t go too well for them either as they were knocked out in the first and second round. Ireland’s Chef d’Equipe Natalie Quinlivan was delighted at the success achieved at the event, “We’ve had brilliant world championships, and it’s a fantastic
Continued on page 26
Karting club perform well in opening two rounds of CUSAI Championship
I
t was a case of as you were for the opening round of the CUSAI Karting Championship as reigning individual and team champions. Aron Smith and DIT hit the front in round one. The first race took place on 4 of November in Midland Karting in Longford during terrible weather conditions, which saw rain pour down throughout the race. Smith, who collected 92 points out of a maximum 100 points in winning last year’s championship for DIT, took advantage to collect maximum points from the tricky opening race. His DIT teammate, Graham Higginbotham secured second place just
ahead of William Coyne of DCU. The performances of Smith and Higginbotham allied with the semi final finish of Scott Colley gave DIT the points to open a six point lead over Cork IT, who had four drivers in the final of the event. DCU rounded off the top three in the team event through Coyne and Shane McGrath’s (third place in last year’s championship) fourth place finish. Six colleges provided the full capacity 12 twelve teams for the event, and the race was not long over before attention turned to the next round just around the corner. The second round took place last
Thursday 18 November and was hosted by Cork IT in the Watergasshill track. Cork IT showed that home advantage plays a massive part of sport, when they took the honours in Thursdays second round of the CUSAI Championships Eric Calnan, who had secured the fast lap in round one, added the fastest lap in the second round en route to a much deserved win on his home track. Shane McGrath of DCU took second place, and Kevin O’Connell insured another spot on the podium for Cork IT, finishing in third position. In the overall individual standings after round two our lads Graham Higginbotham
and Aron Smith sit in joint fourth spot on 28 points each, trailing the leader McGrath of DCU by the small margin of 12 points. In the team event, Cork IT ‘A’ are leading the way at the half way stage with 103 points. DCU ‘A’ are seven points behind, with DIT ‘A’ in third place with a gap of 22 points between them and the leaders. DIT will be hosting the third round of the championship, provisionally penciled in for February in Newry, with the final round scheduled for 25 March 2011 in the new White River track in Drogheda.